Covington agrees with restroom contractor for $121,760

The Covington City Council moved on two agenda items to help the city’s recreational and tourism future during its council meeting Monday.

The council voted 5-0 to approve a bid for the construction of public restrooms in the downtown square area. The bid went to the lowest bidder, Atlanta Fire and Restoration Service Inc., for $121,760.

The restroom, featuring 12 stalls and no lobby area, are set to go in at 1147 Washington Street, next to Town House Café, which the city purchased for $88,000 on Nov. 5.

“We have gone through the process and vetted and vetted and vetted, and we’re going to be putting a very nice — I would consider high quality — restroom facility in,” Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston said. “To me, it is an example of the city of Covington doing something right, not halfway — it really is first class. I think that sets the stage for a lot of other things.”

The council also approved the use of Legion Field for the Cheerio’s Challenge to be held April 17, Newton County Theme School at Ficquett’s fifth-grade graduation in May and a weekly cricket game, held on Sundays.

The city took over the 8.5-acre field from the Newton County Recreation Commission Jan. 1, and Monday’s approvals were the first steps in dealing with the field. The council said it will look to establish ground rules for the park in a future meeting.

Covington currently has no policy in place after ending a long-term lease on the field it had since 2006 back in May.

City auditCovington received a clean and unmodified opinion on its audit from Mauldin and Jenkins.

A representative from Mauldin and Jenkins said it’s been seven or eight years since they had an audit finding on the city council, which is “rare” and “speaks volumes on the quality of work” being done.

Wine and beer tastingsThe council approved unanimously, 5-0, to allow an application for the Cork Boutique and Gifts to have on-premises ancillary wine and beer tastings.

The council said approval means the Church Street boutique will be able to allow tastings before the purchase of beer and wine.

No road closureA permit for a temporary road closure on Monticello Street between Pennington and Conyers Street on May 3 was denied.

A request was made for closure of roads during a Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast, but was not approved by all five sitting council members.

FireworksThe sole bid of $20,000 was accepted for the July 4 fireworks display. The bid was approved 4-1, with Janet Goodman the lone person voted against it.

Truck purchaseThe city also received one bid on a bucket truck for the electric department. The bid for a $181,760 70-foot truck was approved.